Principal Infrastructure Planner

Department of Transport and Planning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport and Planning in Melbourne is seeking a Principal Infrastructure Planner to provide strategic leadership in coordinating infrastructure planning across Victoria’s growing communities, ensuring land use aligns with infrastructure delivery. You will advise on priorities, funding and delivery and lead a team to translate complex information into practical government briefings.

The role focuses on developing policy recommendations, negotiating priorities and driving

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in public policy, urban planning, law, economics, engineering or related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience preparing cabinet submissions and strategic advice and working with senior stakeholders across government.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate infrastructure planning across Victoria’s growing communities.
• Advise government on infrastructure priorities, funding, timing and delivery.
• Lead development of strategic advice, policy recommendations and government briefings.
• Negotiate competing priorities and oversee infrastructure planning initiatives.
• Lead a high-performing team delivering quality outcomes for government decision-making and sustainable growth.

Skills

Influence & persuasion

Governance & measures

Stakeholder collaboration

Strategic policy expertise

Coaching & mentoring

Education

Tertiary qualification in public policy/urban planning/law/economics/engineering or related field

Job description

Title: Principal Infrastructure Planner

Requisition ID: 13223

Work Type: Fixed Term Full Time

Fixed Term Period: 30 June 2029

Location: Melbourne - CBD

Date Posted: 12 Nov 2026

About Us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria’s transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work.

About The Role

This is a Fixed Term Position until 29 June 2029

The role provides strategic leadership in coordinating infrastructure planning across Victoria’s growing communities, ensuring land use and infrastructure planning are integrated. It advises government on infrastructure priorities, funding, timing and delivery across key growth areas, including activity centres and priority precincts, working closely with government agencies, councils, developers and infrastructure providers.

The role leads the development of strategic advice, policy recommendations and government briefings, translating complex information into practical solutions. It also negotiates competing priorities, oversees infrastructure planning initiatives and leads a high-performing team, ensuring quality outcomes that support government decision-making and sustainable community growth.

What We’re Looking For

You’re someone who:

• Influences and persuades others to gain support for proposals, build agreement and achieve shared outcomes.
• Translates strategic priorities into well-planned projects, establishing clear governance, responsibilities and measures of success.
• Builds a strong culture of collaboration, fostering effective relationships and overcoming barriers with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrates strategic policy expertise, developing complex proposals and business cases while providing trusted advice and thought leadership.
• Builds individual and organisational capability through coaching, constructive feedback, mentoring and creating opportunities for others to grow and succeed.

Qualifications And Experience

• A tertiary qualification in public policy, urban planning, law, economics, engineering or related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience. (Mandatory)
• Demonstrated experience preparing cabinet submissions and strategic advice and working with senior stakeholders across government. (Mandatory)

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy

Important information

If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us. We’re here to support you.

For further information about the role, please contact Jim Ingemann, Manager Infrastructure Coordination and Planning, at [e-mail].